The Early Bird Program was started way back in 1982 in Mr. Hughes first year of teaching. After reading the true story "A Shining Season", Mr. Hughes was inspired by a young PE teacher from New Mexico named John Baker who fought cancer to the end. Mr. Hughes wanted to keep the legacy going. There have been hundreds of kids take part in the Early Bird program through the years. Trina Stute of Benkelman has also been instrumental in helping with this great program for kids. She is a former Division 1 basketball player and the kids just love her! The kids come in at 7:30 AM and work on game skills for 20-30 minutes. This gives the child confidence and a feeling of accomplishment. We offer this program at the Benkelman Elementary. Each student has a chance to earn an Early Bird T-Shirt by completing 60 before school workouts.

Parents are welcome to attend. For more information on the Early Bird schedule go to the Youth Activities Calandar page.